Step 1: Measure and Locate Studs

First, measure wall to determine available space. In this example, an 8' bench can be build with about 8" of space remaining at both ends. The height of the bench is marked 35" high. An additional 7" are measured and marked up from the bench area to indicate the bottom of the slatwall backboard being installed. Use level to mark the exact layout for the backboard, creating an 8' rectangle on the wall.

Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. Use level to mark vertical lines from top to bottom, following the stud location. Extend the mark at top beyond the top of the outline so the lines can be seen after the top piece is installed.

Step 2: Assemble Wall

To install the backboard, place a couple of nails into the first board on which the first board will rest. Then, use a drill to countersink screw holes between the slots in the wall board. Next, attach the first board with 2" wood screws , making sure the screws are aligned with the wall studs.

Set second board in place, aligning the tongue and groove that hold the boards together. Secure with screws. Continue process until wall is assembled.

Step 3: Attach Dispenser

Locate center of backboard and mark. Align template that came with the dispenser with the mark on the board (Image 1). Next, pre-drill holes and install screws. Leave enough of each screw extended as needed from which to suspend the dispenser.

Slide dispenser into position (Image 2), then tighten inside screws. Test dispenser by filling with potting soil.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Step 4: Prepare Brackets for Shelves

First, measure the available space to the right of the potting soil dispenser and determine length of shelves (here, the shelves will be 38" long).

Next, measure in 8" from both ends and use a speed square to mark location of shelf brackets. Hold brackets in place and mark for first screw (Image 1).

Pre-drill the hold and attach top screw. Repeat for bottom bracket screw, then go back and tighten the first screw by hand (Image 2). Repeat same process for other bracket.

Measure and mark location of second shelf. Use a level to align the second set of brackets with the first set. Follow same process for attaching brackets as for the first set.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Step 5: Create the Shelves

Use table saw to square ends of 1 x 6 boards, then measure and mark the length needed for the shelves. Cut both boards at once, the set the boards on the brackets (Image 1). Align 1-1/4 from the end of the backboard. Make sure front of shelf is flush to ends of brackets, then secure with wood screws (Image 2).

Next, create a lower shelf to store flower and vegetable flats. First, secure a cedar 1 x 12 by clamping, then mark board at 38" (Image 3). Cut to length using a circular saw. Use table saw to rip a 45-degree angle about 1" wide (Image 4).

Rip a 1 x 6 to the same length as the shelf, but about 2" wide. This piece will act as a brace and a connection point where the angled shelf meets the back board. Use a level to mark the location of the bottom shelf.

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    Image 3

Step 6: Create a Slanted Shelf

Measure up 4-3/4" and mark for the placement of the brace. Use a nail gun to secure the brace (Image 1). Use 2" wood screws to secure to backboard (Image 2).

Add metal pegs designed for use with slatwall to add support to the slanted shelf. Set shelf on brace, align and tack into place using brad nailer (Image 3). Pre-drill the area over the brace and use wood screws to secure.

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    Image 3